Steelheads drop Game 3 in Colorado

Loveland, CO (4/22/14) – Colorado got goals from four different goal scorers - three after an unusual game misconduct to Idaho forward Andrew Conboy - as the homestanding Eagles defeated the Steelheads in Game 3 of the ECHL Western Conference quarterfinal series, 4-1, in Loveland, CO.

With the win, the Eagles take a two games to one lead in the best of seven series.  Game 4 is Thursday night in Loveland.  Puck drop is 7:05 and can be heard live on KTIK (1350 AM) or watched on CableOne (ch. 17) in the Treasure Valley.

Idaho played a good first period and was rewarded with the game's first goal when Brett Robinson snapped home a wrist shot from the high slot at 14:55 of the opening frame, his first of the playoffs, assisted by Charlie Dodero to put the Steelheads on top, 1-0.

During the first period, however, referee Andrew Wilk was forced to leave the game with an injury after getting tied up in a collision in the Idaho offensive zone.  The two teams completed the period with linesmen Butch Mousseaux and Jon Shaw handling the calls.  In the second period, Mousseaux assumed full referee duties with Mike Sheahan coming in to take his spot as a linesman for the remainder of the game.

Colorado tied the game in the second on a Kyle Ostrow shot at 7:47 that bounced off a body in front of the net and in, evening the score at 1-1.

Two minutes later, Mousseaux called a five-minute cross-checking major penalty and followed it up with a game misconduct on Conboy for a hit on Colorado's Kevin Young in front of the Colorado net as Idaho attacked the zone.  Young was able to leave the ice under his own power and, in fact, started the ensuing five-minute man advantage on the ice with the Eagles power play unit.

The Steelheads dug in and turned in a brilliant penalty kill, though, limiting the Eagles to two perimeter shots over the entire five minutes to keep the game tied at one.

Kyle Kraemer gave the Eagles a one-goal lead with just over a minute left in the second with a shot from the hashmarks and the lead extended to two goals at the 3:04 mark of the third period when Luke Fulghum poked home a loose puck on the power play.  Idaho tried to scramble back into the game with Jason Bast just missing a tally with a shot from the right-wing circle and Brock Montgomery generating a good opportunity late as well before Brock Nixon sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal with 36 seconds remaining in regulation.

Josh Robinson was steady in defeat, saving 25 of Colorado's 28 shots.  Dustin Butler was again steady for Colorado, stopping 19 of Idaho's 20 shots on goal.  Idaho's power play finished the game 0-for-2 while Colorado scored once on three man advantages.

Games 4 and 5 stay in Colorado starting on Thursday night at 7:05 PM.  The game will be broadcast live by KTIK (1350 AM) in the Treasure Valley and the team will also host a free watch party inside the SportZone at CenturyLink Arena.  Doors open at 6 PM and a limited food/drink menu will be available.

COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME –  Brett Robinson (G)

CENTURYLINK THREE STARS:1)   Kyle Kraemer (COL)2)   Kyle Ostrow (COL)3)   Luke Fulghum (COL)

Group outings at a Steelheads game are a great way to gather friends, colleagues, or co-workers for a fun night out in downtown Boise. Ticket prices are discounted and you can get a Pepsi, Double-R Ranch Hot Dog, and bag of Tim’s Cascade Chips with each ticket. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.